But as exciting as everything around her was, Cinn’s common sense was telling her there was something really weird going on. She needed to find somewhere else to work with her plants. “You know, now that I’ve had time to think, I’ve decided that maybe this job might not be the perfect fit for me.”

Sparkle didn’t seem surprised. “Look, I know the guys didn’t make a great first impression, but I want you to meet one last manager. Then if you want out of your contract, you can give me the usual two-weeks’ notice.”

“Two weeks?” Not good. “I can still send you my plants no matter where I go, so why can’t I just leave? I know you spent money on the greenhouse, but I can pay for that.” Eventually. With many, many monthly payments.

“I’ve already put you on the castle’s list of attractions. I’ll need time to replace you.” Sparkle attempted to look aggrieved while casting Cinn a sideways glance. “By the way, a good stylist could do wonders with your hair, and a few sexy outfits would…” Her voice faded away and she stood staring at nothing for a moment. Then she smiled as she returned her attention to Cinn. “I’m in control again. It’s tough to break the habit of centu—, uh, years.”

The mystery of what the hell Sparkle was talking about followed Cinn across the great hall to a dark doorway and down winding stone steps—lit only by wall sconces—that ended in a shadowy hallway. “Why wasn’t this manager at the meeting?” Not that Cinn cared. She was counting on Sparkle releasing her from her contract before the two weeks were up. Then she’d get on the phone and beg for her old job back. Her family would be thrilled if she were once again close enough to harass daily.

“He has a few emotional issues right now, so he’s pretty much keeping to himself.” Her gaze skipped away from Cinn’s. She stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. “This is the dungeon. We use it in our fantasies, but it’s off limits until Dacian feels able to cope.” She pulled out an old-fashioned key and shoved it into the keyhole.

This didn’t sound promising. Emotional issues? Cope? Cinn noted the click of the lock. To keep Dacian in or others out? “Umm, maybe I should wait to meet him until he’s feeling better.”

“No, now is the right time.”

Shadows played across Sparkle’s face as she pushed open the door and stepped aside for Cinn to enter. Cinn barely registered Sparkle following her in, relocking the door, and then coming to stand beside her, because shock had frozen her in place.